Paul Wilkinson
Paul Wilkinson is one of the UK’s most awarded portrait photographers and the creative force behind an exclusive boutique studio located between Oxford and London. Renowned for his beautifully lit, characterful portraits—and the laughter that goes into creating them—Paul has built a global reputation for both his exceptional imagery and his warm, down-to-earth style.
A lifelong photographer and Fellow of both the SWPP and BIPP, Paul has received numerous national and international awards. He is a brand ambassador for Elinchrom, Graphistudio, and Pixellu, a sought-after speaker and judge, and a trusted trainer for photographers looking to elevate their craft.
Paul is also the co-author of Mastering Portrait Photography, first published in 2015. The book has sold over 50,000 copies worldwide, been translated into Italian, German, Chinese, and Korean, and reprinted multiple times. The long-awaited new edition—featuring fresh insights and updated work—is set to launch in autumn 2025.
When he’s not behind the camera or leading workshops, Paul shares his experiences in Professional Photo magazine and on his top-rated podcast, Mastering Portrait Photography, where he speaks candidly (and often hilariously) about life, the industry, and what it really takes to thrive as a working photographer.
My Sessions
The One-Light Portrait: Speedlight Simplicity That Works
Speedlights are amazing—until they aren’t. Confusing menus, inconsistent results, weird colours, flat light… it’s easy to fall into TTL autopilot or avoid flash altogether. But with the right guidance, a single speedlight can unlock a world of creative portrait possibilities—and this session will show you how. In this stripped-back, practical masterclass, Paul Wilkinson shares his […]
AI & The Modern Photographer: Edit Faster, Market Smarter, Stay Human
AI isn’t coming—it’s already here, and it’s transforming every part of the photographic world. From intelligent culling and retouching to automated emails and client profiling, this masterclass will help you stay ahead, work more efficiently, and remain distinctly human while doing it. Paul Wilkinson—a full-time portrait photographer with a PhD in Neural Networks—will guide you […]
Ordinary to Extraordinary: Portraits in Crappy Locations
Let’s be honest—not every shoot location is dreamy. Sometimes it’s a stairwell. Sometimes it’s a dodgy car park with one sad tree. Sometimes it’s a cluttered office foyer where you’re asked to “make magic happen.” In this energising, hands-on Superclass, Paul Wilkinson will show you how to turn even the most uninspiring locations into compelling, […]
Corporate Partners
